The Vondelpark Open Air Theatre opens the 2026 season in May. In addition to the regular summer program in June, July, and August, there are several festival weekends in the park this May. The season runs from May through mid-September and includes more than 100 performances. For nearly half a century, young and old, Amsterdammers, global citizens, and everyone in between have been able to enjoy a wide range of performances and shows in music, youth theatre, dance, and comedy at the Vondelpark Open Air Theatre. In the heart of Amsterdam The first real Vondelpark festivals originated in the 1950s, and this continued to grow. Since 1974, the Vondelpark Open Air Theatre in Amsterdam has organized concerts and performances in the fields of cabaret, dance, children's shows, and music every summer in the heart of the Vondelpark. To this day, this open-air theater hosts an extensive and free program full of music and theater every summer. All performances are freely accessible. For some performances, a seat or place in the stands can be reserved in exchange for an advance donation. Walk-ins remain welcome. May: month of festivals On May 16, there is Kwaku DownTown, and on May 17, the Amsterdam Gospel Festival. On May 23, the Summer Breeze festival features Latin music. On Monday, May 25 (Whit Monday), Stichting GRAP concludes the month with Buitenspelen voor de GRAP Festival, featuring emerging pop talent and singer-songwriters. Festive season opening: June 6 and 7 The official opening weekend takes place on June 6 and 7. On Saturday evening, June 6, Jeroens Clan and Kor Hoebe will perform. On Sunday afternoon, June 7, Jungle by Night and Fata Morgana will play. Summer program The summer program follows the fixed weekly schedule: Friday evening dance, Saturday afternoon family theater, Saturday evening comedy, Sunday morning classical, and Sunday afternoon (pop) music. The program includes comedians Rayen Panday, Martijn Koning, and Esther van der Voort, the 50-member Ying Wa Symphonic Band from Hong Kong on the classical Sunday morning, and the finalists of the Grachtenfestival Conservatorium Concours. For the family theater on Saturday, 'About a little mole who wants to know who pooped on his head' (Meneer Monster) and 'Skeleton' (Grote Mensen) are among those programmed. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, music fills the park with performances by Jungle by Night, Vokall Live with Alain Clark, and Isabel van Gelder, among others. The full program is available on the Vondelpark Open Air Theatre website. (information is Dutch language) Artisan scoop ice cream: Van Soest pop-up New this year: the well-known Amsterdam chocolate and ice cream parlor Van Soest is opening a summer pop-up in the Open Air Café with artisanal scoop ice cream. From June, the Open Air Café will be open on all program days. Proceeds from refreshments will benefit the theater. Walk in without a reservation or make a reservation Vondelpark Open Air Theatre is pleased to once again offer free admission to all residents and visitors of Amsterdam. Every weekend, there is something for everyone. This year, you can again make reservations via the website or simply walk into the theatre without a reservation. Admission is free, but a donation is appreciated. Check the Vondelpark Open Air Theatre website for the current program. (information is in Dutch language)
